Fetal growth scan: what is it for

Foetal Growth Scan

What is a foetal growth scan?

A foetal growth scan is frequently requested by your doctor or midwife in the third trimester of pregnancy and is a useful means of checking on your developing baby’s growth and well-being. Ultrasound Care’s team of obstetricians and sonographers are trusted experts in pregnancy ultrasound which is why you have been referred to our practice for this important scan.

Why will you be referred for a foetal growth scan?

Your doctor or midwife will refer you for a foetal growth scan for any of the following reasons:

• If you think that the baby’s movements have changed or stopped.
• If it is suspected that the baby is small for dates or large for dates.
• If there is a suspected breech presentation.
• If you have experienced unexpected bleeding or contractions.
• If you have a multiple pregnancy.
• If you have a maternal disease like diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney or heart disease that may affect your baby.

What does the foetal growth scan show?

The scan will show your sonographer:

• If your baby is smaller than expected
• If your baby is larger than expected
• The position of you baby in the womb
• If the amniotic fluid volume around your baby is within normal ranges
• If the blood flow between your baby and placenta is within normal ranges
• The position of your baby

What does a foetal growth scan involve?

You don’t need to have a full bladder to undertake the scan. In fact, it is better if it isn’t completely full.

When you come into the scan room, your sonographer will apply some slippery gel onto your tummy and then place an ultrasound transducer on your abdomen. The gel is needed for the ultrasound beam to penetrate into the tummy and it allows the transducer to move around easily across your abdomen with the aid of the gel. The whole scan takes around 20-30 minutes.

Occasionally, at the end of the abdomen scan examination, you may need to do a trans-vaginal scan to get a better look at the lower edge of the placenta and its relationship to the cervix. A trans-vaginal scan is also more accurate in measuring the length of the cervix than a trans-abdominal scan. This scan is conducted when you have emptied your bladder.